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A GUIDE 



TO THE 



,f wtitatiim^ and JfattMieMs 



AROUND PETERSBURG. 



^Witli a Splendid. ]Vlap. 



From Actual Surveys made by the U.S. Engineer Dep'mt, 



PREPARED AND PUBLISHED AS A HAND-BOOK BY THE 
PROPRIETORS OF JARRATT'S HOTEL 



PETERSBURG, VA. 

DAILY INDEX JOB PRINT, 60 SYCAMORE ST. 

1866. 






Entered according to act of Congress, on the ninth clay of J une, in the year of our Lord 
eighteen hundred and sixty-sis, by Platt & Simmons, in the Clerk's office of the District 
Court of the Eastern District of Virginia. 







} 



PUBLISHED DAILY IN 

PETEaSBURG, TiL 

^L. M. KEILEY, Editor. 



-:o:- 



Independent on all Subjects; Neutral in Nothing! 



Devoted to the building up of the interests of the South, particularly _of 

Virginia, with a candid and independent discussion of 

State and National Affairs. 

Its columns will also contain the latest Foreign and Domestic Intelli- 
gence, Literary Criticisms and Reviews, Miscellaneous and General News. 
Commercial Reports, and such other matter as will make the Index a 

First Class Journal for t&e Business Man. 

The Low Rates at which the Index is published, places it within the 
power of every individual to secure a First Class Southern Paper. 

TERMS OF THE HKTIDEIX: = 

Single Copies, Five Cents. 

One Month *] 00 

Three Months, '.".!!.!.'.'.'."!!!!.'!.'"!!'.'..".'.'"".!!!!." 3 00 

Six Months ji 00 

Twelve Months, V......... .............. S 00 

Invariably in Advance. 

JlSI-'Specimen copies sent free. Address — 

W. L. WILLIAMS, Petersburg, Va. 

_ H^The Index affords the best facilities for New York merchants and 
business men to advertise in, as it is rapidly gaining a circulation through- 
out Virginia and North Carolina. 

In connection with our newspaper office, we have in operation an extensive 
and well appointed 

And are prepared to execute, in the highest style of the art, even- 
description of PLAIN AND FANCY PRINTING. 

We have also in connection with our office a No. 1 

BOOK BINDERY AND BLANK BOOK MANUFACTORY. 

From the above, the public will perceive that our facilities are unequalled 
by any similar establishment in the State. 



,Uf 



1 ' ^§1 H 



PETE^SBTJKa 3 "V_A.. 




THIS IS THE 



And every attention is paid to visitors to render their stay 
agreeable and interesting. 



HOT Jiff D COLD BATH: 



BILLIAED EOOM, BAEBEE SHOP, &c, 



W@m THE UiSE Q$ GUESTS, 



"Particular attention is paid to guests wishing to visit the Fortifi- 
cations, having the best Carriages and most experienced Guides immedi- 
ately connected with the House. 



$m*< 









^Vdjoming* Jarratt's Hotel, 



'^mm 



9 V<^© 



The best CARRIAGES, BUGGIES 



•AND- 



TC^i 



SilDDLE H0BS1 

IN THE CITY, 

O^T IBI-A-U^sTID -A.T ALL DBZOTTIE^S. 



Parties visiting the fortifications around the city will be furnished 
with experienced guides, to every point of interest, without extra charge. 

Trains leaving New York in the evening arrive at Petersburg next 
evening in time for supper. Trains leaving Washington in evening arrive 
in Petersburg, in time for breakfast, next morning. The morning train 
from Washington arrives in Petersburg, in time for supper, same day. 



mwiim* Statu*. 



Trains leaving New York in the evening arrive in Peters- 
burg the next evening in time for supper. Trains leaving 
New York in the morning arrive in Petersburg, in time for 
breakfast, next morning. 

Trains from Washington, in morning, arrive in Petersburg, 
in time for supper, same day. The evening train from Wash- 
ington arrives in Petersburg, in time for breakfast, the next 
morning. 

Passengers from Baltimore, by the Bay Line, get off at 
City Point, and arrive in Petersburg at 3 o'clock, P. M. 

Buy through tickets for Petersburg mul avoid expense in 
crossing cities. 



;niiftuiu$foti. 



Tins little volume is published as a Hand-Book to visitors who visit 
the city of Petersburg, for the purpose of reviewing the fortifications 
and battlefields around the city. The material has been kindly furnished 
by one of the most efficient Engineer officers of the U. S. Army, who 
was himself a prominent actor in the great siege, and can be relied upon 
as accurate in every particular. The map which accompanies this work 
thus becomes perfectly clear to every reader. 

It was remarked by an English gentleman visiting these works, that 
"if these battlefields, surrounded by such memories as they are, were in 
Europe, they would be visited by more Americans than they now are." 
And his remark was true. How comparatively few of the people of this 
country have visited these fields, so accessible and possessing so much 
more historic interest than any equal extent of ground in this country. 
Even of those who have done so, but few of them have obtained an 
intelligent idea of the siege, the position of the two armies, the character 
of the tremendous defensive works which cover the country about the city. 
People leave their homes with the erroneous idea that Petersburg is 
merely a sort of suburb to Richmond, to be visited for a few hours if at 
all. Instead of being secondary, it is the prominent point of interest and 
importance. 

The tremendous struggle, that resulted in the fall of Richmond and 
the close of the rebellion, was around Petersburg, and here it is that for 
eight long months your husbands, sons, brothers, and dearest friends 
fought and suffered. 

When the history of the late war is written, every foot of this 
ground will have a prominent mention, and to aid those who visit these 
fields and wish to obtain an intelligent idea of their history, this guide 
book has been prepared. Hoping it may be a useful and instructive com- 
panion, it is respectfully submitted by 

THE PUBLISHERS. 



Prepared expressly forthe Guests of Jarratt's Hotel Petersburg Va. 




THE SIEGE OF PETEESBUEG. 



The following statement of interesting events which 
transpired before Petersburg from the 15th of June, 1864, to 
the 3rd of April, 1865, is intended to accompany and explain 
the " Sketch of the Entrenched Lines" immediately in front of 
that city, for the information of the many visitors who, for 
years to come, will visit the ground made historical by the 
" brave deeds of brave men." The account will be necessarily 
brief, its object being to guide the reader along the continuous 
lines of earthworks of the two contending armies — to 
enumerate some of the chief points of interest, and, in a 
condensed form, follow the different steps taken to force the 
evacuation of the city. 

On the evening of the 13th of June, the Second Corps, the 
advance of the Army of the Potomac, after the unprecedented 
campaign from the Rapidan, reached the North bank of the 
James, and on the following morning commenced its passage 
by being ferried across by steam. By midnight of the 15th 
the Ponton Bridge near the Southern point of Wynock Neck 
was constructed, and the Ninth Corps began to cross. The 
distance from the bridge to Petersburg is twenty-two miles. 
The Fifth and Sixth Corps successively followed the first two. 
A part of the Army of the James (Divisions of the Tenth 
and Eighteenth Corps) had been attached to the Army of the 
Potomac during the operations about Cold Harbor, and, upon 
the withdrawal of the troops from that point, had inarched to 
the White House, and were thence transported by water to 
City Point. Upon landing, the last Corps was immediately 
moved forward against Petersburg, the first assault upon the 



6 THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG. 

defensive works surrounding the place being made on the 
evening of the 15th, when a portion of the line was broken 
and held. About sunset of the following day a general assault 
was made along the whole line of the United States troops 
then in position, and a most brilliant sight was presented after 
dark by the heavy discharge of artillery and the countless 
shells which lit up the surrounding gloom as they sped on 
their way, "swift messengers of death." Both on the 17th 
and 18th the attacking columns of the Eighteenth, Second 
and Ninth Corps renewed their desperate efforts against the 
enemy's front, at times reaching and mounting his very 
parapets, and would then be , compelled to retire, after most 
desperate fighting and heavy loss. The ground, however, 
gained at that time, remained in possession of the United 
States forces ; it was immediately entrenched, and continued 
to be, with some alterations at subsequent times during the 
siege, the advanced position of the troops. 

For two days the opposing armies remained quiet, to 
recuperate their strength, after the fatiguing marches and 
severe engagements ; but hostilities were again resumed on the 
21st, 22nd and 23rd, the Fifth Corps having in the meantime 
come up. During these days an effort was made to turn the 
right flank of and act in rear of the enemy. The Second and 
Sixth Corps were the active participants in the severe fights 
which took place at this time in the endeavor to strike the 
Weldon Railroad. The sketch shows the first line of the 
enemy, (since leveled,) entrenched some months before Grant's 
Army appeared in front of Petersburg, and from portions of 
which the former was driven during the assault of the first 
few days. The famous Battery No. 5 is a very strong salient 
at the North-Eastern angle of this entrenched position. At 
this time the line of the United States troops extended from 
the Appomattox, on the right, near Page's, in a Southerly 
direction, by Hare's, (now Fort Steadman,) and in front of 
the present line, as represented on the Sketch, to the Lunette 
on the Jerusalem Plank Road ; thence, nearly parallel to that 
road, with the left refused, and again striking it near the 



THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG. 



Williams House. During the latter part of June and the 
whole of July the Armies were engaged in rectifying and 
strengthening their respective lines, the construction of 
redoubts, batteries and covered ways, the preparation of siege 
material (gallons, fascines, | etc.) on the one part, and the 
arrangement of obstacles on the other, such as are known, in 
the language of military engineers, as abattis, chevaux de 
frise, palisades, fraise and mines. To describe what, in 
military parlance, is called a line of earthworks, would be a 
difficult matter ; to be understood it must be seen ; no one can 
possibly realize the appearance of the ground until after a 
careful inspection. The redoubts or enclosed field works, the 
batteries, the infantry parapets connecting them, the obstacles 
placed in their front, the bomb-proofs, the magazines, the 
soldiers' quarters or habitations, (burrowing, and one might 
call it burying, in the ground,) the covered ways leading to 
them, (intended to protect the soldier in passing from the rear 
to the front,) all must be examined, inspected, looked into and 
overlooked before one can appreciate such a condition of affairs. 
Imagine, then, two such opposing lines of earth-works, at 
one point, for example, opposite Fort Steadman, only six 
hundred feet apart — very considerably less than the range of 
a good rifle. Remember, then, that between these two lines 
are two picket lines, perhaps not over two hundred feet apart, 
each picket ever watchful of his country's honor, by day and 
night and at all hours keeping a steady gaze upon every 
movement of his opponent; his only shield from instant 
death, a small mound of loose* earth thrown up in front, 
behind which he must keep perfectly concealed ; exposed at 
all times to sun and rain, heat and cold, he passes the long, 
weary hours in never-tiring watchfulness, knowing that upon 
his vigilance may depend the fate of an army. Not unfre- 
cmently an amicable agreement may exist between the parties 
not to fire, and mutual exchanges of good will pass. Tobacco, 
sugar and coffee are exchanged. After such an arrangement 
active hostilities are not resumed until "Johnny Reb" gives 
his brother " Yank" a timely warning, or vice versa. Should 



THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG. 



the visitor take any prominent point from which to view these 
lines, he will find that only at intervals can he trace their 
zigzag course, the greater part being concealed from view, 
or hidden by intervening timber or by the irregularities of 
the ground. 

After the very severe fighting in the month of June, but 
little occurred to mar the quiet and rest of the respective 
armies until the last few days in July. The oppressive heat 
of the weather and the unusually dry season, not a drop of rain 
having fallen for several weeks, disposed every one to keep as 
cool as possible. During this period, however, all were not 
inactive. The constant picket firing at all hours, by night 
and day, afforded very little chance for undisturbed slumbers, 
and proved rather injurious to the nervous system. A big, 
brawny Irish boy, a regular " auld soldier," remarked to his 
companion that he had enlisted to fight for " the preservation 
" of the Constitution, but he found that tugging along over 
" dusty roads night after night, and fighting day after day, was 
" rather damaging to Ms constitution." At this time it was 
almost certain death to expose for a moment the slightest 
portion of the person. On the one side the Yankee sharp- 
shooter covered his body by a breastwork of sand bags, so 
arranged as to leave a loop-hole through which to take Lis 
deadly aim ; and his brother Reb, concealed by a shield of 
oak wood, nearly three feet square and some three or four feet 
in thickness, and partly covered with a plate of iron, with a 
loop-hole cut in the centre, from behind which to watch his 
prey. These were arranged at intervals along the parapets, 
and concealed from view as much as possible, their locality 
being ascertained only by constantly watching the smoke as it 
arose from the rifles upon being discharged. Long and 
patiently would these sharp-shooters watch their opportunity, 
and, upon the light being cut off by a person looking through 
or passing in rear of the loop-hole, the unerring shot would 
seldom fail to kill its victim. The foliage of trees often 
concealed for a long time their whereabouts, as, comfortably 
located on some limb, they picked off their unsuspecting foe ; 



THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG. 9 



but upon being discovered, a well-directed fire of grape or 
canister would quickly bring them from out their seclusion. 
Strange to say, the men seemed delighted with this not very 
agreeable occupation of sharp-shooting, and shouts of laughter 
would arise from groups collected around at any successful 
effort. Many a man has been killed during the hasty glance 
over the parapet to watch the effect of his deadly missile, so 
keen and watchful are the eyes of either party to take advan- 
tage of the slightest exposure of the other. Can such a system 
of warfare be justifiable? Can the killing of an enemy by 
the deadly aim of a sharp-shooter be pardonable when two 
opposing armies are lying quietly in their entrenchments and 
not engaged in heated strife ? And stranger still, these same 
men, by unauthorized truce, cease battling with each other for 
a time, meet and exchange friendly words, engage in a game 
of cards, barter sugar and coffee for tobacco, and in many 
ways establish a cordial feeling, only to part at some given 
signal to commence the work of death once more. Could all 
men imitate and feel the high tone of honor displayed on 
such occasions, there would be little cause for war. Many 
are the anecdotes told of the friendly meetings of those on 
neutral ground, the most punctilious ceremony existing, who 
before and after stand opposed to each other, grappling with 
death. 

During this apparent amusement, other labors were pro- 
gressing towards the fulfillment of a remarkable event in the 
history of the siege. A regiment from Pennsylvania, the 
48th, under the command of Lt. Colonel Pleasants, not having 
forgotten their occupation in more peaceful times among the 
anthracite coal beds of their native State, conceived and 
executed the idea of mining and blowing up a battery of the 
enemy. From the report of the commanding officer a few 
extracts will be interesting : 

"The gallery was commenced at 12 M. the 25th of June, 
" 1864, without tools, lumber, or any of the materials requisite 
"for such work. The mining picks were made out of those 
" used by our pioneers ; plank was obtained by tearing down 



10 THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG. 



" a rebel bridge, and afterwards by sending to a saw mill five 
" or six miles distant, and the material excavated carried out 
" in hand-barrows constructed out of cracker boxes. The 
"work progressed rapidly until the 2nd of July, when it 
" reached extremely wet ground ; the timbers gave way, and 
" the roof and floor of the gallery nearly met. Re-timbered 
" it and started again. From this point had to excavate a 
"stratum of marl, whose consistency was like putty, and 
" which caused our progress to be necessarily slow. To avoid 
" this, an inclined plane was started, and in 100 feet, rose 
"about 13| feet perpendicular. On the 17th of July the 
"main gallery was completed, being 510.8 feet in length. 
"The enemy having obtained information of the mine, 
" commenced searching for it. Orders were received to stop 
"operations, which were, however, recommenced on the 
" following day by starting the left lateral gallery. At 6 P. M. 
" of the same day commenced the right lateral gallery. As 
" the enemy could plainly be heard working over us in the 
" fort, the gallery was excavated a little beyond and in rear of 
" their works, and gave to it a curved line of direction. The 
" left lateral gallery was stopped at midnight, July 22nd. 
" The right lateral gallery, being 38 feet long, was stopped at 
" 6 P. M., July 23rd. The mine could have been charged 
" and exploded at this time. The men were employed from 
" that time in draining, timbering and placing eight magazines 
" in position, and having received the order to charge the mine 
" on the 27th of July, the powder was commenced to be placed 
" in at 4 P. M., and finished at 10 P. M. The tamping was 
" then begun, and completed by 6 P. M. the 28th. 

" The charg-e consisted of three hundred and twenty kegs 
" of powder, each containing twenty-five pounds, eight thou- 
" sand pounds in all." " The size of the crater formed by the 
" explosion was at least two hundred feet long, fifty feet wide, 
" and twenty-five feet deep." 

The writer of this article carefully examined the gallery, 
and found it perfect work, considering the means employed 
for driving it. The arrangements for ventilation were perfectly 



THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG. 11 



simple and satisfactory. The explosion of the mine succeeded 
admirably, and the assault should have been crowned by 
success. The cause of failure is well known. The objective 
point was Cemetery Hill. Perhaps the old venerable pile of 
brick styled Blandford Church would not have escaped the 
damage by artillery, and would not have presented the same 
romantic appearance, had such been the case. In recent walks 
through the Cemetery, but little evidence was discovered of 
any injury from the many compliments passed between the 
opposing batteries. The Church and Cemetery are well worth 
a visit. The former, built in 1735, of brick imported from 
the mother country, was in use for nearly a century, and its 
ivy-clad walls now stand as a monument of what years ago 
was considered the aristocratic portion of Petersburg. In the 
Cemetery the stranger is not only pointed to the marble slab 
that marks the last resting place of a departed English General 
of the war of 1812, but to the wooden cross that, in those 
impressive w r ords, "Our Soldiers," causes many a heart to 
weep over the brave men who are gathered there, the heroes 
of many a hard-fought battle. 

After the explosion of the mine the new entrenched line 
was constructed, the old one being still held as a picket line, 
and is the one represented in the Sketch. This comprises 
Forts McGilvery, Stedman, Haskell, Morton, Mickle, Rice, 
Sedgwick, Davis, Prescott and Bross, the latter located near 
the Black Water Swamp, and the intervening infantry parapets. 
The men had been very much exposed to the constant picket 
firing, and as siege operations by regular approaches had been 
abandoned, it was merciful to remove and shelter them from 
unnecessary danger. If the visitor examines the abattis and 
ehevaux-de-frise in front of the lines, he will see many indi- 
cations of the leaden hail that swept over the ground. Many 
men were killed not only by direct but by glance shots, so 
that for a mile in rear of the works no spot could be considered 
particularly safe. From the Appomattox to Fort Sedgwick, 
constant firing was kept up day and night, and month after 
month. Forts Stedman and Sedgwick were particularly 



1 2 THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG. 



" hot" places, so much so that the men gave the name of 
" Fort Hell " to the latter, and their rebel friends, not to be 
outdone, called Fort Mahone, vis-a-vis to the other, " Fort 
" Damnation." 

Before pi-oceeding farther, let it be remarked that the names 
of the different field works of the U. S. lines were selected 
from those distinguished officers who fell in action, bravely 
fighting their country's battles. Those of the rebel works 
were generally called after the proprietors of the different 
localities upon which they were located, or after some officer 
first commanding at the particular point. The batteries on 
both sides are numbered. Although each foot of ground is 
historical, still, the points of greatest interest between the 
Appomattox River and the Jerusalem Plank Road are Fort 
Stedman, fronting the rebel Colquitt's Salient ; Grade's Salient, 
on the Norfolk Railroad, and in its connection, the dam over 
the Poo River ; Fort Morton and its opposite Salient, Elliott's, 
rendered the more interesting from being the locality of the 
" Crater," already described ; and Fort Sedgwick, opposed to 
Fort Mahone and Battery. 

Fort Stedman, the site of which was taken and held on the 
17th of June, 1864, by Gibbon's Division, of the Second 
Corps, and for month after month was exposed to a harassing 
fire, the trees near it bearing undisputed testimony, was also 
the point of assault of the rebel Gordon's Division, on the 
25th of March, 1865. The move proved most successful for 
a time, but soon the fire from the batteries on either flank, 
and a successful assault of Hartranft's Division of the Ninth 
Corps, changed the aspect of affairs. The distance between 
the lines at this point is scarcely six hundred feet, and between 
the opposite pickets not more than two hundred. The long 
and tedious night watches probably made the men somewhat 
careless and sleepy, for the officers in their bomb-proofs were 
aroused from their slumbers by the very polite invitation that 
their presence was wanted in Petersburg. One of the most 
interesting sights to the writer of this article was the peculiar 
conformation of the ground occupied by the rebels to the 



THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG. 13 

North of Colquitt's Salient. No one can accurately describe 
it. How the men survived during the heat of summer and 
the cold of winter, is incomprehensible. What can their 
habitations be likened unto ? As you gaze upon them, they 
produce a most peculiar effect. It is a complete system of 
burrowing, in imitation of rats and moles ; literally living 
under ground ; the impromptu bomb-proofs promiscuously 
thrown together, no ventilation and no light, damp and cold, 
and, in winter, the small grate fire of bituminous coal impreg- 
nating the already close atmosphere with a deadly gas. No 
wonder, as a distinguished Episcopal divine said, the men 
became demoralized ; want of good, wholesome diet, combined 
with these causes, was enough to dispirit the bravest heart. 
The Yankees, possessed of more energy and ingenuity, lived 
in palaces, comparatively speaking ; in many places substantial 
bomb-proofs, and in others neatly constructed huts, added to 
their comfort. Over the many acres of ground occupied by 
these two points, Fort Stedman and Colquitt's Salient, a 
" shower of shells " rained, and scarce a foot of ground can 
be trod without disclosing a crater formed by them, the whole 
space being covered by fragments of iron. 

One of the singular episodes of war occurred on the same 
day (the 25th of March) that the attack was made on Fort 
Stedman. Whilst the affair was being developed on the right, 
and the Fifth Corps was en route from its winter camps to 
render any assistance necessary, the Second and Sixth were 
ordered to advance on the left along their fronts, to create a 
diversion in favor of the Ninth. As these moves were pro- 
gressing, the President of the United States, Mr. Lincoln, 
arrived at the headquarters of the Army of the Potomac from 
City Point, accompanied by Lieut. General Grant, a grand 
review of the whole army having been tendered in honor of 
his visit. As the programme could not be well executed under 
the circumstances, it was ordered that the Fifth Corps, then 
under arms and on the march, should be reviewed nearly 
opposite the centre of the line, whilst the fighting was kept 
up on the extreme right and left. This was done, and in the 



14 THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG. 



midst of the conflict then raging on the extreme flanks, a gala 
day was held in the centre, in honor of the Chief Magistrate 
of the Nation. This was really the commencement of the 
final campaign of the Army of the Potomac. 

The Crater has already been described, and is one of the 
greatest points of interest. The gallery can be traced along 
the surface by portions of it having caved in. The lines were 
closer here than at any other point — not more than four hun- 
dred and fifty feet apart. The chevaux-de-frise bear evidence 
of the leaden balls that kept constantly whizzing through 
the air. 

The dam near Grade's Salient was one of the appliances of 
the Engineer, intended to back the water of Poo Creek, and 
form a pond of water, for the purpose of creating an obstacle 
in front of the enemy's works, and prevent a sudden surprise. 
All kinds of devices are made use of to strengthen an exposed 
position. One of the most advanced points of the U. S. lines 
was Port Sedgwick, standing boldly forward and constantly 
inviting attack. The work is a very irregular one, and is 
thrown across the Jerusalem Plank Road, one of the most 
important thoroughfares leading out of the city. It is a place 
of very great interest, on account of its exposed and prominent 
position for so long a period. Scarcely a day passed without 
witnessing a heavy artillery duel, and each hour of those many 
long and weary months, as two brave armies lay opposite to each 
other, could be heard the shrill, sharp report of some leaden 
messenger of death. It was here, as elsewhere, that only the 
reckless would dare expose the slightest part of the person 
even for a second, and well does it deserve the not very 
euphonious name to ears polite of " Fort Hell." 

Between the two main lines at this point the distance is 1 500 
feet, a level plain stretching between them. Ever on the qui viw, 
frequently advantage was taken by either party to force back- 
by surprise the picket line of the other. Knowing the impor- 
tance of the position, the men strengthened their picket lines 
so as to become almost as strong as the main ones, the distance 
between them previous to the final assault being not more than 



THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG. 15 

200 feet. To show the visitor what precautions were taken 
against surprise and capture, let him examine the front of 
Fort Sedgwick. First is the ditch of the work ; then an 
abattis ; then a fraise palisade ; and last, though not least, two 
rows of wire entanglements. To storm the work, these 
obstructions all have to be removed or surmounted, in the face 
of heavy artillery and unerring musketry. To engage in such 
a murderous effort, bold hearts and unflinching determination 
on the part of brave men are requisite, and no truly good 
man can fail to honor those who look death so defiantly in the 
face, whatever be the justice of the cause for which they are 
willing to lay down their lives. On the morning of the 2nd 
of April, 1865, this ground became consecrated and holy to 
the memory of the soldiers who fell in that glorious assault 
upon the opposing batteries, and to those who so courageously 
defended their post of honor. To Potter's Division, of the 
Ninth Corps, belongs the glory of taking and afterwards 
holding this important position, in spite of the several despe- 
rate efforts to repossess it by the enemy. Its noble and gallant 
commander came near laying down his life in his country's 
cause on this occasion, at first having been reported mortally 
wounded, but finally recovered, after many long and weary 
days of confinement. Fort Mahonc, to the left of the point 
of attack, belched forth its fierce artillery on the flank, but 
failed to make the assaulting party flinch. During the 
following night it was evacuated and possession taken of it. 
It was a sad sight to the writer of this article, in riding over 
the ground on the morning of the 3rd, to see it strewn with 
the dead and dying. Many were killed upon the very parapet 
of the enemy's work, the chevaux-de-frise intended for its 
defence having been converted into a bridge over which to 
cross the ditch. No further progress could be made, as the 
enemy fell back, when driven from his main position, to a still 
stronger line. Counting the picket line, a strong infantry 
parapet in itself, not less than four lines confronted Fort 
Sedgwick, showing how desperate the attempt to carry each 
of them successively would have proved. 



16 THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG. 



But in describing this most historic portion of the line at 
this place, is somewhat anticipating the natural course of 
events. The principle generally carried out in the siege of 
Petersburg, was, after obtaining possession of a certain portion 
of its front, to fortify and strengthen the latter by a system 
of enclosed works, connected by lines of trenches, and also 
to cover the rear against any movement, especially cavalry 
raids, by a similar defensive arrangement. On the 20th of 
August, that part extending from the Appomattox River to 
the Jerusalem Plank Road, and its left flank retired and 
resting upon the Black Water Swamp, was so near completion as 
to be in readiness for the contemplated movement upon the Wel- 
don Railroad. After the successful advance and the holding of 
that most important thoroughfare, and which proved to be the 
greatest blow the enemy had yet experienced, by severing the 
direct railroad connection South with Wilmington, the only 
sea-port left open to him, the front and rear were again strongly 
entrenched. Forts Wadsworth, Dushane, Alex. Hays, How- 
ard, Stevenson, Davison, Blaisdell and Pat'k Kelly were 
among the number of works constructed. After an unwilling 
possession of this road had been yielded by the opposing 
army, several days of severe fighting having taken place in 
the neighborhood of the Yellow Tavern or Six Mile House, 
(subsequently pulled down in consequence of its cracked and 
dilapidated condition,) and at Reams' Station, some three miles 
further from the city than this last locality, this part of the 
line became, and continued to remain, very quiet. The dis- 
tance between the works being considerably greater than that 
along the right flank, but little fighting took place, save one or 
two attempts to drive in the respective picket lines; especially 
" our friends, the rebs," during the winter months, wanted tents 
and blankets, and came to take them. Forts Wadsworth and 
Dushane are well worth the inspection of the visitor, to give 
him an idea of the exterior and interior of well-constructed 
field works, both of them being bastion forts. By the 26th 
of September the Military Railroad was in readiness to supply 
the Army. It extended from City Point to the Weldon Road. 



THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG. 



17 



The active operations of the Army were again resumed on the 
29th of the same month, and during the two or three following 
days, the lines were extended to the West of the latter railroad 
for some few miles. The engagements near the Peebles and 
Pegram houses were then fought, the Fifth Corps principally 
participating. Some two or three rebel works were successfully 
assaulted and taken at this time — the one by Griffin's and the 
other by Ay res' Division. By this extension, eleven additional 
enclosed works, Keene, Urmston, Conahey, Fisher, Welsh, 
Gregg, Sampson, Cummings, Emory, Seibert and Clark, with 
several batteries, were linked with the already formidable 
cordoii/fchat surrounded the Army of the Potomac. At this 
time it was a thoroughly entrenched camp. The length of the 
entire line, from the Appomattox on the right to the left at 
Fort Fisher, and thence back to Fort Bross, on the Black 
Water Swamp, made at this time a continuous stretch of earth- 
works of more than twenty-three miles. Adding to this the 
section from Fort Bross to the James River, the line measures 
more than thirty-two miles, comprising thirty-six forts and 
fifty batteries. In addition to these there were eight other 
enclosed works along the inner line of the defence of City 
Point. Of course, this enumeration does not include the . 
position in front of the Army of the James, between the 
Appomattox and the James, and North of the latter river. 
By the latter part of October, 1864, all these works were 
completed, and in a defensible condition. A movement was 
ordered for the afternoon of the 26th of that month, in which 
a greater part of the Army participated. It continued during 
the 27th and 28th, extending across Hatcher's Run to the 
Boydton Plank Road, ending in the return of the troops to 
their original camps. With the exception of a movement of 
the Fifth Corps South along the Weldon Railroad, and sundry 
dispositions of the other Corps to support it, the Army 
remained during the winter months comparatively quiet. The 
movement which commenced on the 5th of February, and 
continued during the 6th and 7th, on which days the cavalry, 
and the Fifth and Second Corps performed some good fightino-' 



18 THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG. 



ended in taking up a line extending from Fort Sampson to 
Hatcher's Run, which was subsequently entrenched. This 
addition of about four miles made a continuous front line of 
fifteen miles from the crossing of the Vaughan road over the 
latter stream to the Appomattox below Petersburg. Con- 
fronting this along the entire distance, and nearly parallel to 
it, was the entrenched line of the enemy. This last move 
ended all operations until the opening of the final brief and 
triumphant campaign on the 26th of March, ending in the 
capitulation of the Army of Northern Virginia on the 9th of 
April, 1865. 

For the visitor there are several points of interest between 
the Weldon Road and Hatcher's Run. Of these, the " Poplar 
Grove Church " is deserving of great praise and admiration. 
In the midst of the many demands made in time of battle 
and of siege upon the services of the 50th N. Y. Volunteer 
Engineers, the officers and men found pleasure in designing, 
planning and building the beautiful rustic structure referred 
to, and devoting the same to the worship of the Great God of 
Battles. The timber upon the spot, and the tools with Avhich 
they were provided for engineering purposes, furnished the 
material and means wherewith to exercise the taste, genius and 
energy displayed. It is built not very far from the site of the 
old " Poplar Spring Meeting House," a plain country frame 
church, which was used at different times as a hospital by both 
armies during the operations on the 29th and 30th of Septem- 
ber, and 1st and 2nd of October, 1864. The present church 
was used for the same purpose throughout the movements on 
the last of March and 1st and 2nd of April, 1865. The 
Regiment, upon moving away from camp to take part in the 
pursuit of Lee's Army, left a wooden tablet over the main 
entrance to the church, with these words inscribed upon it : 
" Presented to the Trustees of the Poplar Spring Church, by 
the 50th Regiment New York Volunteer Engineers." It has 
been proposed to move the edifice to the Central Park of New 
York City, as one of the mementoes of the war, and certainly 
no more interesting and striking feature could be added to the 



THE SIEGE OF PETERSBURG. 19 



already many beautiful adornments that embellish those 
tasteful and admirably designed grounds. Not far from the 
ehurch is the " Signal Tower " constructed by the same Regi- 
ment. For those who possess the energy to climb several 
ladders to the height of one hundred and fifty feet, and do not 
suffer from dizziness, the view obtained from the top is very 
extensive and interesting, overlooking the entire field of 
operations of the two Armies that lay opposite to each other 
for so many months. It was used to watch the movements of 
the enemy. Fort Fisher, besides being a specimen of a well 
constructed field work, a large bastion fort, is also the point 
in front of which Getty's Division of the Sixth Corps moved 
out and broke through the enemy's lines on the morning of 
the 2nd of April, whilst the Second and Twenty -fourth Corps 
simultaneously on the left, and the Ninth on the right, accom- 
plished the same purpose. The glorious news from Sheridan's 
Cavalry and Griffin's Fifth Corps at " Five Forks," that 
spread along the lines of the Army after dark on the evening 
of the 2nd, gave new inspiration to the men, who had already 
received their orders and were anxious to brave death in the 
fulfillment of the part they were called upon to play in the 
great drama of that eventful day, the culmination, the crown- 
ing glory of the grand achievements of years, which at last 
brought peace once more upon our prosperous land. 

After forcing the lines and wheeling to the right with their 
resistless columns, a brigade of each of the two corps, the 
Sixth and Twenty-fourth, had the extreme satisfaction of 
making the final attack upon the last strongholds of the 
enemy's entrenched position. The assaults upon Fort Baldwin 
and Fort Gregg will long be remembered as two of the most 
brilliant of the war. The several desperate efforts covered 
the ground with dead and wounded. The numerous graves 
now seen around them attest that these points of danger were 
the posts of honor. With their fall the fate of Petersburg 
was settled. Well might Lee call his staff about him, and 
pointing to Fort Gregg, ask them to witness a most gallant 
defence. The words had scarcely fallen from his lips when, 
behold ! the " Stars and Stripes " were unfurled to the breeze 
over the parapet, the determined and brave band of men who 
defended it only yielding when all hope had fled. The Gen- 
eral then bade his staff separate, and seemed in those last 
moments as if anxious to court death, and lay down his life 
in a cause which so long his strong arm had upheld. His 
headquarters at this time were at the Turnbull house, not far 
distant from these works. 



20 SIEGE OF PETERSBURG. 



Near Fort Gregg, where Indian Town Creek crosses the 
Boydton Plank Road, can be seen a heavy piece of earthwork. 
It is a large dam across the stream, for the purpose of backing 
up the water, and creating an artificial structure. Unfortu- 
nately for the builders, the structure gave way, and a wall of 
water rushed forward, carrying before it bridges and trees, and 
for a time submerging the islands in the. Appomattox. One 
who stood on the bank of the river and witnessed the effect, 
said that it appeared as if the bottom of the river had suddenly 
dropped out, every island so quickly disappeared without an 
apparent cause. 

The writer has so far very hastily and superficially dwelt 
upon the chief points to be examined along the lines within 
a few miles of Petersburg, consisting, as already stated, of 
Fort Stedman, Colquitt's Salient, Grade's Salient, Elliott's 
Salient, (the Crater,) Forts Sedgwick and Mahone, Forts 
Wadsworth and Dushane, the Poplar Grove Church, the 
Signal Tower, Forts Fisher and Gregg. More might be 
written of the movements across Hatcher's Run, of the battle 
fields of Five Forks, Sutherland's Station, Sailor's Creek, 
High Bridge and Farmville, and of the pursuit of Lee's 
Army and its surrender at Appomattox Court House ; but 
the original object of this hastily prepared article has been 
accomplished, and the writer must leave to those who peruse 
it how successfully his work has been done. He hopes it will 
prove of some slight value in pointing out the places of 
greatest interest, and in refreshing the memories of those who 
make a pilgrimage to this celebrated locality in regard to some 
of the incidents that transpired. 

The " Sketch of the Entrenched Lines immediately in 
front of Petersburg " has been very carefully prepared, indi- 
cating the many roads by which different parts of the line can 
be reached, and those communicating directly from point to 
point. A careful study of this map, with a driver sufficiently 
well acquainted with the locale and names of places, will 
guide any one over the country. 



APPENDIX. 
— • • • — 

The following letter to the American Agriculturist, written 
by its talented Editor, Mr. Judd, is appended entire, and will 
be found of great interest and assistance to visitors : 

Visit to a Virginia Battle Field, 

AGTJIDETO THE CHIEF POINTS OF INTEREST. 

J are att House, Petersburg, Va., 
June 7th, 1865. 

Last July 4th, while engaged with the Sanitary Commission 
in earing for our sick and wounded soldiers, I wrote to the 
readers of the Agriculturist from a point two to three miles 
north-east of where I now sit, giving an outline map of the 
localities, and, so far as I could then see, of the military 
works around the city. Then I could only look over into 
these streets ; to-day, I am pleasantly seated in the heart of 
the city, with my family and a party of friends. Then a 
hundred thousand men were intent upon breaking through 
the armed forces that met them at every point, and the almost 
unceasino" roar of deep toned cannon, and the rattle of small 
arms broke upon the ear by day and by night. To-day, only 
here and there will one find an armed man in blue, and none 
in orev, and over the vast charnel field nought but the singing 
of birds, in the few remaining groves, disturbs the death-like 
stillness. Then I wrote, that no other spot I had ever seen 
in this country or in Europe, would so well repay a visit 
immediately after the war should close, as the region around 
Petersburg. To-day I feel this more strongly than then. 
For three days I have wandered among the endless lines of 
earth-works and fortifications that belt Petersburg on all sides 
but the north, and I am sure that no more intensely interest- 
ing locality is to be found in the world, when we take into 
account the number of men engaged, the length of time they 
were here, the severity of the almost daily struggles, and the 
closing up of the great war, of which the final decisive contest 
was fought just southwest of this city. That is hardly an 
over-estimate which gives 150 to 200 miles as the combined 



22 VISIT TO A VIEGIKIA BATTLE FIELD. 



length of the earth-work?, rifle-pits, etc., within ten miles of 
Petersburg. These alone, seen in their present condition, 
before being greatly marred by the elements, are worth a 
journey of a thousand miles. Hundreds now come daily, from 
almost all parts of the country, and many thousands will 
doubtless visit this place the present .year, while the locality 
will for many years, if not centuries, be increasingly attractive. 
[ learn that very few of the present visitors see more than a 
s^stdl part of what is to be seen hereabouts, because there are 
no maps or guides to assist them. Thus, most examine the 
" Mine," Forts Steadman, Sedgwick (" Hell,") and Mahone 
(" Damnation,") and go home without visiting the field of the 
decisive operations on April 1st and 2nd, last. At the request 
of many persons here, I wall attempt to give a little outline of 
some of the more interesting points. 

The map shows the relative position of Petersburg and City 
Point. The last was Gen. Grant's headquarters, and the base 
of supplies for the Army of the Potomac, during ten months. 
In the map is also a general outline of the position of forts, 
etc., around Petersburg, prior to April 1, this year. Beyond 
or outside of the space covered by the map, for miles away, 
are to be found forts, earthworks, and scenes of skirmishes 
and pitched battles, as at Reams' Station down the Weldon 
railroad, at Five Forks several miles south-west, and also on 
the Boydton Plank Road, and along Hatcher's Pun. The 
space covered by the map is cut tip with lines of breastworks, 
rifle-pits, earth-forts, thousands of soldiers' huts still stand- 
ing, and almost unending lines of abatis (ab-a-tee). These 
last consist of sharpened sticks and tree tops placed firmly in 
the ground, and leaning outward, a few rods in, front of the 
main lines and around the forts, arranged so as to greatly 
obstruct the approach of an enemy. Most of the abatis are 
bound together by strong wires. They are being removed 
quite rapidly for firewood, by the negroes and other inhabi- 
tants of Petersburg. This, with the washing down of the 
many earth-ridges and rifle-pits by rains, and the leveling of 
others for agricultural purposes, will materially change the 
appearance of the whole region ere long. The main lines 
consist chiefly of heavy continuous banks of earth, high 
enough to shield the bodies of the men, too thick to be bat- 
tered down by cannon, and having a ditch on the side next 
to the enemy. Forts and batteries are built at convenient 
distances along the lines, to cover the space between them, and 
are usually placed upon knolls, or higher portions of the 



VISIT TO A VIRGINIA BATTLE FIELD. 23 



ground. Some of the forts are very large and well finished, 
with bomb-proofs. A bomb-proof is usually made thus : 
a shallow cellar is dug, if the ground allow, and walls of logs 
are laid, 6i to 8 feet high ; long log beams are laid across the 
top, projecting a few feet each way ; upon these a flooring of 
logs is placed, and earth piled over, and also up against the 
sides, so thick as to be impenetrable by shell, thus forming a 
secure retreat. Air and some light enter between the cross- 
beams. These bomb-proofs are of various sizes and forms ; 
one in Fort Wadsworth is about 150 feet long and some 12 
feet wide inside. Ammunition magazines are similarly built. 
Sometimes the earth Avails of the bomb-proofs, and of the 
forts themselves, are kept perpendicular by means of bags, or 
baskets of earth, or by fascines (bundles of long rods or sticks 
bound together). Some of the forts are fine specimens of 
military workmanship, as Fort Fisher, and Forts Wads worth 
and Sedgwick. 

The most interesting points to be examined by the transient 
visitor, are : Fort Gregg, (rebel,) Fort Fisher and the tower 
or observatory (150 feet high) near it, Poplar Grove Church, 
Forts Wadsworth, Sedgwick and Mahone, the Mine, and Fort 
Steadman. On horseback, one can go the round of all these 
in a day ; but two or three days will be far more satisfactory. 
I will sketch briefly a two days trip by a party of thirteen of 
us — two ladies, three children of 9 to 1-1 years, with four men 
besides the driver, all in a large covered spring wagon, and 
four men on horseback. Outfit: a box of eatables, a jug of 
water and cup, some bags for holding relies, a large hatchet, 
and field glasses to aid the eyes, brought from home. Cloth- 
ing and shoes adapted to rough journey. 

FIRST DAY'S TRIP. 

Starting from the Jarratt House westward, and then 
deflecting to the left,, we passed the north side of the rebel 
hospitals, and continued west quarter to half mile, until a 
short .turn to the left (south) took us nearly to Air. Green's 
house. Then turning to the right, and passing by the negro 
huts, we continued west across a brook, and up a hill, going 
just south of Roger A. Prior's residence, situated in the grove 
of trees on the right. Bending to the south south-west, we 
followed a field road to the rebel Fort Gregg, a large promi- 
nent fort on a hill, ] to h mile from Mr. Prior's house. All 
along the route, so far, and indeed all the rest of the way, are 
seen rifle-pits, breastworks, etc. On the road west from the 



24 VISIT TO A VIRGINIA BATTLE FIELD. 

hospitals, the chimnies in the distance (west) indicate where 
Gen. Lee's headquarters were before the buildings were burned 
on the evacuation. Before reaching Fort Gregg, we see on the 
left the remains of a large dam, built to overflow the Union 

camps, some distance southward. Fort Gregg. There are 

two forts of this name, one Union and one Rebel. The latter 
is a point of great interest. Strong as it is, it was assaulted 
and taken by storm on April 2nd. Standing on the fort and 
looking south-east, we see the valley through which the heavy 
assaulting party came up amid a tempest of lead and iron. 
The many Union graves in front, and the mounds of rebel 
dead buried in its rear, with the cannon shot and bullet holes 
in the palisades, indicate the severity of the struggle. How 
flesh and blood could have lived through the fire of cannon 
and musketry, crossed the deep ditch, and climbed into the 
fort we stand on, it is almost impossible to conceive. But it 
was done, and this was one of the crowning achievements that 
secured the evacuation of Petersburg and Richmond. One 
will not soon tire here, looking over the wide fields on every 
side, and reading the description of the assault. Just west of 
Fort Gregg is a large earthwork called Fort Baldwin, and a 
heavy battery lies a little east of Fort Gregg. Next, going 
about a mile to the south south-east, we passed through a 
stumpy road and crossed the outer lines and breastworks of 
the two opposing armies, and thence to a farm house, upon 
the proprietor of which we called, and had a lengthy and 
and interesting chat. He remained here all through the war, 
and from him we learned many particulars of events of which 
he had been an eye-witness. From the high ground north- 
east of his house, is, to us, the most interesting view any 
where to be seen — including the location of the two armies 
from September to April, many miles of earthworks, and the 
scene of the final successful strategetic move of the 
Union army. Our forces had for six months held this line, 
including Forts Fisher, Welch, etc., south of us. Frequent 
efforts had be"en made to pass around to the left and reach the 
Southside Railroad, but without -avail. The last week in 
March a heavy force, including Gen. Sheridan's cavalry and 
the 5th Army Corps, made a detour to the south, and off 
south-west towards Dinwiddie Court House, as if striking for 
Burkesville or some nearer point on the Southside Railroad. 
To oppose these, Gen. Lee drew out a large number of his 
forces from in and around Petersburg, and marched them 
westward. This was just what Gen. Grant desired. When 



VISIT TO A VIRGINIA BATTLE FIELD. 25 

they were far enough off the 6th and 24th corps dashed 
through from Fort Fisher, overcame all resistance, and reached 
the railroad a mile or so north-west of Fort Gregg (rebel). 
This fort and others near it were captured, and the enemy's 
army was thus cut in two. This is indeed the Waterloo of 
America, compared with which the old Belgian battle-field 
shrinks into insignificance. We advise every one coming to 
Petersburg, to visit this locality, and from here, and from Fort 
Fisher and the observatory near by, study the whole field. 

Remunerating our farmer friend for his time we were con- 
suming, and taking him with us a short distance as a further 
guide, we next went a little to the south-east to Fort Fisher, 
which is one of the finest constructed works to be seen here, 
though hardly so large as Forts Wadsworth, Sedgwick and 
Steadman. From the top of Fort Fisher, and especially from 
the observatory near it, 150 feet high, one has a grand view 
of the fields already described, and can take in at a glance 
many square miles of the surrounding country. At this point 
our entire party would have gone home well satisfied with 
their long journey from home, if no more was to be seen. 

But I must omit details, beyond calling attention to the 
numerous camp huts which cover the country, a few acres in 
a place, for miles around. We next went to the " Poplar 
Grove Church," whose steeple can be seen in a grove to the 
south-east. This Church, and the surrounding cabins — 
mansions we might call them — were constructed by the 50th 
N. Y. Engineer Regiment. Nowhere, in this country or in 
Europe, have I seen rustic work .that would compare with 
what is to be seen in this camp, and in the hospital camp a 
hundred rods or so north-west. Without the aid of engrav- 
ings, I will not attempt to describe the beautiful arrangement 
of pine logs, poles and twigs in the attractive structures. Let 
no one coming hither fail to see them. Said a traveling com- 
panion, as he contrasted these camps and our various forts 
with those of the enemy, " it is no wonder our men conquered." 
The old Poplar Grove Church in the vicinity having been 
burned in the army movements, or by the enemy, this Church 
was presented to the trustees by the ingenious builders ; 
otherwise we would advocate its removal to the N. Y. Central 
Park. Some of the huts or dwellings here should certainly 
be moved to more central or accessible points, as monuments 
of the skill of our " thinking bayonets." 

Turning from the Church to the north-east, we next went 
to Fort Wadsworth, on the Weldon Railroad, another point 



2ti VISIT TO A VIRGINIA BATTLE FIELD. 



of much interest. Those who have time may well go South- 
ward to Fort Dushane, and still further to Reams' Station, 
and southwest along Hatcher's Run, the Five Forks, etc. 
Those positively limited for time, and not too wearied, may 
continue eastward, to Forts Howard, Alexander Hayes, Davis, 
Sedgwick, Mahone, etc., and perhaps finish up the tour in a 
single day, though it is too much for most visitors who wish 
to get a full conception of this region. Our party examined 
Forts Howard and Hayes, the surrounding camps, of which 
the neatly constructed huts are still standing, and then turned 
up the Weldon Railroad towards Petersburg. Passing through 
the lines of abattis, the skirmish line of breastworks and 
rifle-pits, between the two armies, at the distance of 1J miles 
towards the city we struck and examined the very heavy main 
front line of the enemy. We next visited the " lead works," 
on our way to the city, and reached our hotel at 7 -h P. M ., 
most of the party wearied out, but with heads and hearts full. 
Retiring early, a good night's sleep put us all in good trim 
for the 

SECOND DAY'S TRIP. 

Starting with the same conveyance as yesterday, we Avent 
north-east through the city, noting on the way the effects of 
shells upon the houses, and took the Jerusalem Plank Road 
to the top of " Cemetery Hill," where is a fine bird's-eye 
view of the works east and north-east of the city. A short 
distance on, we turned to the left and visited the " Mine." 
Our newspaper description, read on the spot, brought vividly 
to the mind and eye events occurring here on the morning of 
J uly 30th, 1864. An hour spent here and over at the entrance 
to the Mine, we returned to the Jerusalem Plank Road, and 
went south-east to Forts Mahone and Sedgwick, noting: along 
the way the ditches and traverses through which troops and 
supplies from Petersburg reached the advanced lines of the 
enemy, through the high ground, or passed from one earth- 
work to another. Forts Mahone (" Damnation") and Sedg- 
wick ("Hell") are very near each other, and are both on high 
ground. More men were daily killed and wounded at these 
forts, than at any other points on the lines. They were 
fighting almost constantly for months. To expose one's 
person hereabouts was almost certain death. The picket lines 
between these forts, guarded by heavy breastworks, were so 
near that the men could talk familiarly together from behind 
their covers. There is more digging of the earth into pits, 



VISIT TO ,V VIRGINIA BATTLE FIELD. 



ditches, etc., at this part of the lines, than at any other. 
Passing on south-east to Fort Davis, we turned north, followed 
the line of Union fortifications, looking into Forts Rice, 
Mickle, Morton, and Haskill, and entered Fort Steadman. 
The taking of this by the enemy last March, and the speedy 
recovery of it, are doubtless well remembered by every reader. 
The bullet and cannon ball and shell marks on almost every 
square foot of the trees, from bottom to top, on every side, 
show plainly the fierceness of the conflict here, but I cannot 
spare room for description. Passing on to Fort McGilvery, 
and back again to the main road from City Point, we entered 
Petersburg from the north-east side, and had a fresh view of 
the shell scarred and pierced houses. Every rod of the route 
we have taken, perhaps 15 to 20 miles in the two days, is full 
of interest. No other field of strife so extensive and so varied 
has ever been seen in this country, or any other, and we trust 
never will be. Now, no enemies, no bushwhackers, and no 
restrictions upon travel are anywhere to be met with in or 
around Petersburg or Richmond. 

ROUTES TO PETERSBURG. 

From New York is a line of large steamers, running direct 
to City Point, twice each week. Fare, including meals and 
state-room, is now $15. This route gives one a taste of the 
Atlantic Ocean. From City Point to Petersburg, nine miles, 
is made by railroad, trains meeting each steamer on its arrival. 

Another route is by boat from Baltimore daily to City 
Point, via Fortress Monroe and Norfolk — a delightful route, 
with fine and fast steamei's. Fare $6 from Baltimore to 
Petersburg. 

And a third, andjbhe most expeditious route, is by boat 
from Washington to Acquia Creek, passing Fort Washington 
and Mount Vernon ; by rail from Acquia Creek to Petersburg, 
via Fredericksburg and Richmond. Fare from Washington 
to Petersburg, $8. Purchase through tickets, and have your 
baggage checked through, and avoid any expense of being- 
transferred from one train to another either for self or baggage. 
Make Petersburg your objective point, and don't be deceived 
into believing you can see all there is here in a few hours, as 
interested parties will be sure to tell you. 



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